MTN Group said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued another letter, informing the company that the fine had actually been reduced by 25 percent to NGN 780 billion and not by 35 percent to NGN 674 billion as the regulator had earlier indicated in its letter dated 2 December to MTN. The mobile operator had on 3 December informed its shareholders that it received a formal letter dated 2 December from the NCC informing the company that, after considering MTN's request, it had taken the decision to reduce the fine imposed on the MTN Nigeria business from the original NGN 1.04 trillion to NGN 674 billion, to be paid by 31 December. The fine relates to the late disconnection of 5.1 million MTN Nigeria subscribers in August and September for failure to register their personal details under regulatory requirements. This was a reduction of 35 percent of the original fine.
MTN said late on 3 December, the day after receipt of the first letter, it received a further letter from the NCC dated 3 December, which was stated to supersede the first letter. This informed the company that the fine had actually been reduced by 25 percent to NGN 780 billion and not by 35 percent to NGN 674 billion as was stated in the first letter. The payment date remains 31 December. Neither the first nor second letter sets out any details on how the reduction was determined. MTN said its carefully considering both letters, and its Executive Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko will re-engage with the Nigerian authorities before responding formally.
